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Traveller camp leaves hospital

Travellers set-up camp in Welsh hospital car park

Royal Gwent Hospital workers in Newport were unable to use the staff car park. Credit: Wales News Service

Doctors and emergency staff have been turned away from their own hospital after a group of travellers moved in. Hundreds of NHS workers were blocked from parking at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport after the French travellers set up camp in the staff car park.

Surgeons, doctors and nurses were turned away after 14 caravans moved onto the staff-designated car park. Hospital spokesman Julian Hayman said the 300-space car park would be closed to staff for three days after the travellers told them they will "move on shortly".

Mr Hayman said medical staff would need to make alternative arrangements for parking until the caravans moved on.

Newport City Council said the creation of permanent sites for gypsies and travellers in the region went out to consultation last month and the final version of the plan will go before full council later this year